Day 1 : Bienvenue en France!.

Welcome to Paris and the beginning of The Cathar Story.

Our tour officially begins early this evening with Meet n Greet dinner. This is all about coming together as a group, meeting our wonderful guide Ange and the team, getting to know our fellow travellers, and sharing the excitement of the journey ahead. Over good food and conversation, we'll begin to form the friendships and connections that will become such a memorable part of travelling together.

During dinner I'll share a brief introduction to the adventure that awaits us in the south of France, offering some background to the places we'll visit and the story we'll gradually uncover over the coming days. Tomorrow we leave Paris behind and travel to Toulouse, where our exploration of Cathar country truly begins.

INCLUSIONS: Dinner and a complimentary glass of wine and deluxe accommodation

Day 2: Into Cathar Country

Today we leave Paris behind and travel south to Toulouse, the historic heart of Occitania and our gateway to Cathar country. Travelling by train offers a wonderful opportunity to sit back, relax, and watch the French countryside unfold beyond the window as we journey towards the landscapes where our story will take place. It is also a chance to spend time getting to know our fellow travellers as anticipation builds for the days ahead.

After arriving in Toulouse and settling into our hotel, there will be some free time to unwind or enjoy a gentle stroll through the surrounding neighbourhood. This evening we'll gather for dinner, where we'll begin placing the Cathar story into its wider historical context, providing an introduction to the remarkable people, places, and events that we'll encounter throughout the journey ahead.

INCLUSIONS: 3-course Welcome dinner, 1st class TGV train tickets and deluxe accommodation

Day 3: The Spirit of Occitania

Today we begin exploring Toulouse, often known as the Pink City, with a guided walking tour led by Ange. As we wander through its historic streets and squares, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the region that gave rise to the Cathar movement and the unique culture of Occitania. Our morning also includes a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Saint-Sernin, where special access to the crypt and ambulatory offers a fascinating glimpse into one of France's most important pilgrimage churches.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to continue exploring Toulouse's beautiful streets, browse its shops and cafés, visit one of its museums, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. With no scheduled dinner this evening, you'll have the freedom to experience the city in whatever way appeals most to you.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Basilique Saint-Sernin including crypt and ambulatory access and deluxe accommodation

Day 4: Walking with the Perfecti

Today we leave Toulouse behind and continue deeper into Cathar country. Our journey takes us first to Lavaur, an important location in the Cathar story, before continuing to Albi, the beautiful city that gave its name to the crusade, where we'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch beneath the shadow of its magnificent cathedral.

Throughout the day we'll begin to develop a deeper understanding of Cathar belief and the people who embraced it. As we travel through the landscapes where this movement flourished, we'll explore the role of the Perfecti and the values that inspired such devotion among their followers. Today offers an opportunity to better understand the Cathar faith itself and the community that grew around it.

Later this afternoon we arrive in Béziers, where we'll settle into our hotel and enjoy a free evening. Whether you choose to wander the streets, find a local restaurant, or simply relax after the day's travels, the evening is yours to spend as you wish before the next chapter of our story unfolds tomorrow.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Cathédrale Saint-Alain, Tour des Rondes, Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi, Palais de la Berbie and deluxe accommodation

Day 5: Shadows over the Languedoc

This morning we explore Béziers, a city forever linked to one of the most significant turning points in the Cathar story. As we walk its historic streets, we'll begin examining the growing tensions that emerged between differing beliefs, competing authorities, and the communities caught between them. It is here that we start to understand how a region known for its diversity of thought became the focus of a crusade that would reshape southern France.

Later we continue to Narbonne, an important centre of medieval trade, culture, and influence. With time to explore the city and discover its rich heritage, we'll gain a broader appreciation of the world that existed beyond the conflict and the vibrant society that made the Languedoc such a remarkable place.

This evening we'll come together before dinner for a relaxed group discussion, sharing reflections on the places we've visited and the stories we've encountered throughout the day. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a three-course dinner together, with plenty of opportunity for conversation as we continue exploring this remarkable chapter of history.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire-et-Saint-Celse, Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, 3-course dinner with wine pairingand deluxe accommodation

Day 6: Guardians of the Frontier

This morning we leave Narbonne behind and journey deeper into the dramatic landscapes of the Corbières. Rising high above the surrounding countryside, Château de Quéribus stands as one of the most iconic strongholds associated with the Cathar story, and the climb to its summit will be a highlight for sure.

After lunch in the beautiful village of Cucugnan, we continue on to Carcassonne, where the story expands beyond individual communities and beliefs to the great strongholds that have come to symbolise the Cathar era. These remarkable landscapes help us understand both the challenges faced by those who lived here and the enduring legacy they left behind.

Upon arrival in Carcassonne, there will be time to settle into our hotel and begin exploring one of the most extraordinary medieval cities in Europe. With a free evening to enjoy at your own pace, you may choose to wander the historic streets, soak up the atmosphere of the illuminated citadel, and find a local restaurant for dinner before tomorrow's discoveries.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Château Comtal, Château de Quéribus and deluxe accommodation

Day 7: Discovering Carcassonne

Today is all about experiencing Carcassonne, one of the most remarkable medieval cities in Europe. Beginning with a guided walking tour, we'll explore both the famous walled Cité and the vibrant lower town, discovering the stories, architecture, and atmosphere that make this UNESCO World Heritage site so special.

There will be ample time to enjoy Carcassonne at a more relaxed pace. Depending on the season, there may be additional local events, entertainment, or cultural activities taking place, adding to the city's unique atmosphere. The choice is yours for today, you can choose to continue exploring, browse the local shops, or simply soak up this extraordinary setting.

This afternoon we'll gather within the medieval city for a hands-on workshop before coming together this evening for a medieval banquet. Surrounded by the walls of Carcassonne, we'll share good food, conversation, and celebration, bringing another memorable day of our journey to a close.

INCLUSIONS:Breakfast, Surprise medieval workshop, Medieval Banquet and deluxe accommodation

Day 8: Where Time Slows

This morning is yours to spend as you wish. You may choose to wander the medieval streets of Carcassonne, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or, for those who wish, attend a local Sunday service and experience a tradition that has shaped communities for centuries.

This afternoon we'll gather for a private cruise along the Canal du Midi, one of France's great engineering achievements and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we glide through the peaceful countryside, relax, enjoy the scenery, and simply appreciate the slower rhythm of the region.

This evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace, whether that means discovering a new restaurant or rediscovering an old favourite, sharing a meal with new friends, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Carcassonne one more time.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Private Canal du Midi Boat Cruise and deluxe accommodation

Day 9: Towards the Mountains

Today we leave Carcassonne behind and journey towards the foothills of the Pyrenees, following a route that leads us into some of the most beautiful landscapes of southern France.

Our first stop is the charming medieval town of Mirepoix, where we'll have time to explore its famous market, wander beneath the colourful timber-framed arcades, and enjoy lunch surrounded by the atmosphere of one of the region's most picturesque towns.

This afternoon we continue to Château de Puivert, a castle whose story offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of the Cathar era. Set amidst rolling countryside and mountain views, it provides a striking contrast to the great fortified strongholds we have encountered earlier in our journey.

Later we arrive in Ax-les-Thermes, a welcoming mountain town known for its thermal springs and relaxed atmosphere. Here we'll settle in for the evening and enjoy a slower pace as we prepare for the next stage of our adventure.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Château Puivert, and deluxe accommodation

Day 10: A Place of Memory

Today is dedicated to one of the most significant sites in the Cathar story, Montségur.

Perched high above the surrounding landscape, this remarkable mountain stronghold has become a powerful symbol of the Cathars and the events that shaped their history. The climb to the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views across the Pyrenees and an opportunity to stand in a place that continues to inspire reflection, curiosity, and discussion more than seven centuries later.

Rather than rushing from site to site, today allows time to fully experience Montségur and consider its place within the broader story we've been exploring throughout our journey. Whether your interest lies in the history, the landscape, the people, or the questions that still surround the site, this is a day to engage with the experience in your own way.

Returning to Ax-les-Thermes later in the afternoon, there will be time to relax and reflect before we gather once more for a group dinner. For those who wish to continue the conversation, we'll also spend some informal time together in the lounge, sharing thoughts and impressions from what will possibly be one of the most memorable and thought-provoking days of the tour.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Château Montségur, 3-course dinner and deluxe accommodation

Day 11: The Enduring Story

Today we begin our journey back towards Toulouse, reflecting on the places, people, and stories that have shaped our understanding of the Cathar world.

Our first stop is Foix, where the imposing Château de Foix stands as a reminder of the powerful counts who played such an important role in the history of the region. Here we'll explore the castle and discover the story of a family whose influence extended far beyond the walls of their stronghold.

Continuing on to Toulouse, we'll visit the remarkable Couvent des Jacobins, one of the city's most important medieval landmarks. Its striking architecture and rich history offer a fascinating glimpse into the changing world that emerged in the centuries following the Cathar era.

This evening is free for you to enjoy Toulouse at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander the city's lively streets, enjoy a leisurely dinner, or simply reflect on the experiences of the past few days, there will be time to savour your final evening in the heart of Occitanie.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Entry into Château de Foix, Couvent des Jacobins and deluxe accommodation

Day 11: Back Where We Began

This morning we board the train and travel north once more, returning to Paris after our journey through the landscapes and stories of the Languedoc. As the French countryside slips past the window, there is time to savour the memories, friendships, and discoveries that have shaped our journey through the Languedoc.

Arriving back in the French capital, there will be time to relax and enjoy a leisurely afternoon before our farewell celebration. Whether you choose to explore a little more of Paris, revisit a favourite spot, or simply unwind, the time is yours to enjoy.

This evening we'll come together one final time for a memorable dinner cruise along the River Seine. As Paris glides past illuminated monuments and historic landmarks, we'll celebrate the friendships, discoveries, and shared experiences that have made this journey so special, bringing our time together to a fitting and unforgettable close.

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, 1st class TGV train tickets, Farewell Dinner Cruise and deluxe accommodation

Day 13: Au revoir mes amis

So sadly, our time together has come to an end, and it has been an absolute pleasure having you along with me on this journey. If you have opted for airport transfers, they have been pre-booked for your convenience. For those staying in Paris for a bit longer, I wish you much enjoyment of your time in this beautiful city.

Safe Travels!

INCLUSIONS: Breakfast